Crime prevention tips given out at Sheffield train station

Published:12:14Friday 12 December 2014

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Police officers handed out crime prevention advice to commuters at Sheffield train station after it emerged that 5,318 bikes were stolen from stations across the country last year - including 50 in South Yorkshire.

British Transport Police arrested 1,381 suspects during the year and yesterday a national day of action was held to raise awareness of the issue.

Officers handed out crime prevention advice to commuters and offered to security code their bikes.

There were 15 bikes stolen from Sheffield station last year, one from Rotherham, six from Barnsley and 15 from Doncaster.

Superintendent Jason Bunyard, who heads up Operation Wiggins - the police response to bike thefts - said: “Over the past few years we have seen an increase in passengers using bikes to travel to and from railway stations.

“Following continued investments in cycling infrastructure, events such as the Tour de France, and with people being more conscious of the environment and their health, there has been a huge surge in their popularity.

“Unfortunately this has also provided increased opportunities for thieves due to them being relatively easy to steal and dispose of, bikes sadly remain an attractive target.

“More bikes stolen will lead to in an increase in insurance claims resulting in higher insurance premiums for everyone.

“Thieves need to operate quickly to reduce their chances of being caught, having a heavy duty lock will make their job much more difficult and they are more likely to abandon any attempt to steal your bike.

“Don’t be tempted in purchasing a bargain bike online or down the pub either with no questions asked. You could be prosecuted.”